Pod assembly, dispensing body, and e-vapor apparatus including the same

ABSTRACT

An e-vapor apparatus may include a pod assembly and a dispensing body configured to receive the pod assembly. A vaporizer may be disposed in the pod assembly and/or the dispensing body. The pod assembly may include a vapor precursor compartment, a device compartment, and a vapor channel extending from the device compartment and traversing the vapor precursor compartment. The pod assembly is a smart pod configured to receive, store, and transmit information that can be communicated with the dispensing body and/or another electronic device. The proximal portion of the dispensing body includes a vapor passage and a through-hole. The vapor passage may extend from an end surface of the proximal portion to a side wall of the through-hole. The through-hole is configured to receive the pod assembly such that the vapor channel of the pod assembly is aligned with the vapor passage of the dispensing body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/911,533, filed Mar. 5, 2018 which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/998,020 (formerly U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/151,148), filed Apr. 22, 2015, the entirecontents of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to electronic vapor devices includingself-contained articles including vapor precursors.

Description of Related Art

Some e-vapor devices include a first section coupled to a second sectionvia a threaded connection. The first section may be a replaceablecartridge, and the second section may be a reusable fixture. Thethreaded connection may be a combination of a male threaded member onthe first section and a female threaded receiver on the second section.The first section includes an outer tube (or housing) extending in alongitudinal direction and an inner tube within the outer tube. Theinner tube may be coaxially positioned within the outer tube. The secondsection may also include the outer tube (or housing) extending in alongitudinal direction. The e-vapor device includes a central airpassage defined in part by the inner tube and an upstream seal.Additionally, the e-vapor device includes a reservoir. The reservoir isconfigured to hold a vapor precursor and optionally a storage mediumoperable to store the vapor precursor therein. The reservoir iscontained in an outer annulus between the outer tube and the inner tube.The outer annulus is sealed by the seal at an upstream end and by astopper at a downstream end so as to prevent leakage of the vaporprecursor from the reservoir.

SUMMARY

An e-vapor apparatus may include a pod assembly, a dispensing bodyconfigured to receive the pod assembly, and/or a vaporizer disposed inat least one of the pod assembly and the dispensing body. The podassembly may include a vapor precursor compartment, a devicecompartment, and a vapor channel extending from the device compartmentand traversing the vapor precursor compartment. The vapor precursorcompartment is configured to hold a vapor precursor therein. Thedispensing body includes a proximal portion and an opposing distalportion. The proximal portion includes a vapor passage and athrough-hole. The vapor passage may extend from an end surface of theproximal portion to a side wall of the through-hole. The through-holemay be between the vapor passage and the distal portion of thedispensing body. The through-hole is configured to receive the podassembly. The vaporizer may be disposed in at least one of the podassembly and the dispensing body. The vapor precursor compartment of thepod assembly is configured to be in fluidic communication with thevaporizer during an operation of the e-vapor apparatus such that thevapor precursor from the vapor precursor compartment comes into thermalcontact with the vaporizer. The vaporizer is configured to heat thevapor precursor to produce a vapor that passes through the pod assemblyvia the vapor channel. The through-hole of the dispensing body isconfigured to receive the pod assembly such that the vapor channel ofthe pod assembly is aligned with the vapor passage of the dispensingbody so as to facilitate a delivery of the vapor through the vaporpassage of the dispensing body.

The vapor precursor compartment of the pod assembly may surround thevapor channel. For example, the vapor channel may pass through a centerof the vapor precursor compartment.

Alternatively, the vapor channel may be in a form of a pathway that isarranged along at least one sidewall of the vapor precursor compartment.For example, the vapor channel may be in a form of a conduit that isarranged in at least one corner of the vapor precursor compartment. Theconduit may be arranged in at least two corners of the vapor precursorcompartment and configured to converge at a position that is alignedwith the vapor passage of the dispensing body when the pod assembly isreceived in the through-hole.

The vapor precursor compartment and the device compartment may be atopposite ends of the pod assembly. The device compartment of the podassembly may include a memory device. The memory device may be codedwith an electronic identity to permit at least one of an authenticationof the pod assembly and a pairing of operating parameters specific to atype of the pod assembly when the pod assembly is inserted into thethrough-hole of the dispensing body. The memory device may also receiveand store information such as operational parameters and usage historyfrom the dispensing body. Once stored, such information in the memorydevice will remain intact even when the pod is detached from thedispensing body.

The pod assembly may include a side surface having at least oneelectrical contact. The dispensing body may be configured to perform atleast one of supply power to and communicate with the pod assembly viathe at least one electrical contact. The at least one electrical contactmay be at an end of the pod assembly corresponding to the devicecompartment.

The dimensions of the through-hole correspond to dimensions of the podassembly. The proximal portion of the dispensing body may include amouthpiece that includes the vapor passage. The vapor channel may bebetween the mouthpiece and the device compartment when the pod assemblyis inserted into the through-hole of the dispensing body. The e-vaporapparatus may further include an attachment structure on at least one ofthe side wall of the through-hole and a side surface of the podassembly. The attachment structure is configured to engage and hold thepod assembly upon insertion into the through-hole of the dispensingbody. The attachment structure enables the pod assembly to be insertedand extracted from the dispensing body by the adult vaper with ease. Theattachment structure also aligns and secures the pod assembly in placein the dispensing body during normal use of the e-vapor apparatus.

A pod assembly for an e-vapor apparatus may include a vapor precursorcompartment configured to hold a vapor precursor therein; a devicecompartment in fluidic communication with the vapor precursorcompartment; and a vapor channel extending from the device compartmentand traversing the vapor precursor compartment. The device compartmentmay include a vaporizer. The device compartment may also include amemory device. A side surface of the pod assembly may include at leastone electrical contact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodimentsherein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed descriptionin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawingsare merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawingsare not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Forpurposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have beenexaggerated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing body of an e-vaporapparatus according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first frame of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second frame of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the body portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the end piece of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another dispensing body of an e-vaporapparatus according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first mouthpiece of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second mouthpiece of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first frame of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the frame trim of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the second frame of FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pod assembly of an e-vapor apparatusaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the pod assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the pod assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the pod assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 a perspective view of several pod assemblies according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a view of an e-vapor apparatus with a pod assembly insertedin a dispensing body according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates a device system diagram of a dispensing bodyaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates a pod system diagram of a dispensing body accordingto an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another elementor layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or coveringthe other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions,layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Theseterms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer, or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood thatthe spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing variousembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exampleembodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference tocross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations ofidealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of exampleembodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations asa result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed aslimited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to includedeviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Theregions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and theirshapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of adevice and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. Itwill be further understood that terms, including those defined incommonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal senseunless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing body of an e-vaporapparatus according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, adispensing body 104 of an e-vapor apparatus includes a frame portionthat is connected to a body portion 118. The frame portion includes afirst frame 110 and a second frame 112. The side walls 116 (e.g., innerside surfaces) of the first frame 110 and the second frame 112 define athrough-hole 114. The through-hole 114 is configured to receive a podassembly (which will be subsequently discussed in detail).

Generally, an e-vapor apparatus may include the dispensing body 104, apod assembly inserted in the through-hole 114 of the dispensing body104, and a vaporizer disposed in at least one of the pod assembly andthe dispensing body 104. The pod assembly may include a vapor precursorcompartment (e.g., liquid compartment), a device compartment, and avapor channel. The vapor channel may extend from the device compartmentand traverse the vapor precursor compartment. The vapor precursorcompartment is configured to hold a vapor precursor (e.g., e-liquid)therein. A vapor precursor is a material or combination of materialsthat may be transformed into a vapor. For example, the vapor precursormay be a liquid, solid, and/or gel formulation including, but notlimited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plantextracts, natural or artificial flavors, and/or vapor formers such asglycerine and propylene glycol.

The dispensing body 104 includes a proximal portion and an opposingdistal portion. The mouthpiece 108 is disposed at the proximal portion,while the end piece 120 is disposed at the distal portion. The proximalportion includes a vapor passage 106 and the through-hole 114. The vaporpassage 106 extends from an end surface of the proximal portion to theside wall 116 of the through-hole 114. The vapor passage 106 is in theform of one or more passageways extending through the proximal portionof the dispensing body 104. The through-hole 114 is between the vaporpassage 106 and the distal portion of the dispensing body 104 (e.g.,between the mouthpiece 108 and the body portion 118).

A vaporizer (which will be subsequently discussed in more detail) isdisposed in at least one of the pod assembly and the dispensing body104. The vapor precursor compartment of the pod assembly is configuredto be in fluidic communication with the vaporizer during an operation ofthe e-vapor apparatus such that the vapor precursor from the vaporprecursor compartment comes into thermal contact with the vaporizer. Thevaporizer is configured to heat the vapor precursor to produce a vaporthat passes through the pod assembly via the vapor channel. Thethrough-hole 114 of the dispensing body 104 is configured to receive thepod assembly such that the vapor channel of the pod assembly is alignedwith the vapor passage 106 of the dispensing body 104 so as tofacilitate a delivery of the vapor through the vapor passage 106 of thedispensing body 104.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of FIG. 1. Referringto FIG. 2, the first frame 110 and the second frame 112 are configuredto unite to form the frame portion of the dispensing body 104. A numberof options are available for uniting the first frame 110 and the secondframe 112. In an example embodiment, the first frame 110 is a femalemember, while the second frame 112 is a male member that is configuredto engage therewith. Alternatively, the first frame 110 may be a malemember, while the second frame 112 may be a female member that isconfigured to engage therewith. The engagement of the first frame 110and the second frame 112 may be via a snap-fit, friction-fit, orslide-lock type arrangement, although example embodiments are notlimited thereto.

The first frame 110 may be regarded as the front frame of the dispensingbody 104, and the second frame 112 may be regarded as the rear frame (orvice versa). Additionally, the proximal ends of the first frame 110 andthe second frame 112, when united, define the vapor passage 106therebetween. The vapor passage 106 may be in the form of a singlepassageway that is in communication with the through-hole 114 defined bythe side wall 116. Alternatively, the vapor passage 106 may be in theform of a plurality of passageways that are in communication with thethrough-hole 114 defined by the side wall 116. In such an example, theplurality of passageways may include a central passageway surrounded byperipheral passageways (or just several evenly spaced passageways). Eachof the plurality of passageways may independently extend from thethrough-hole 114 to the proximal end surface of the frame portion.Alternatively, a common passageway may extend partly from thethrough-hole 114 and then branch into a plurality of passageways thatextend to the proximal end surface of the frame portion.

The mouthpiece 108 is configured to slip onto the proximal end of theframe portion that defines the vapor passage 106. As a result, the outersurface of the proximal end formed by the first frame 110 and the secondframe 112 may correspond to an inner surface of the mouthpiece 108.Alternatively, the proximal end defining the vapor passage 106 may beintegrally formed as part of the mouthpiece 108 (instead of being a partof the frame portion). The mouthpiece 108 may be secured via a snap-fittype or other suitable arrangement. In an example embodiment, themouthpiece 108 is a removable component that is intended to permitvoluntary, recommended, or required replacement by an adult vaper. Forinstance, the mouthpiece 108 may, in addition to its intendedfunctionality, provide a visual or other sensory appeal to the adultvaper. In particular, the mouthpiece 108 may be formed of an ornamentalmaterial (e.g., wood, metal, ceramic) and/or include designs (e.g.,patterns, images, characters). Thus, the mouthpiece 108 may becustomized so as to provide an expression of personality andindividuality by an adult vaper. In other instances, the removablenature of the mouthpiece 108 may facilitate a recommended replacementdue to the amount of usage or a required replacement due to wear overtime or damage (e.g., chipped mouthpiece 108 caused by accidentaldropping of e-vapor apparatus).

The lower ends of the first frame 110 and the second frame 112 oppositethe proximal ends (that define the vapor passage 106) are configured toinsert into the body portion 118. To facilitate a secure fit, the outersurface of the lower ends of the first frame 110 and the second frame112 may correspond to a receiving inner surface of the body portion 118.Additionally, the lower ends of the first frame 110 and the second frame112 may also define a groove therebetween to accommodate one or morewires that connect to one or more electrical contacts provided in theside wall 116 (e.g., lower surface of the side wall 116 opposite thevapor passage 106). A power source (e.g., battery) may also be providedin the groove to supply the requisite current through the wire(s).Alternatively, the power source may be provided in an available spacewithin the body portion 118 between the inserted lower end of the frameportion and the end piece 120.

A first button 122 and a second button 124 may be provided on the bodyportion 118 and connected to the corresponding circuitry and electronicstherein. In an example embodiment, the first button 122 may be a powerbutton, and the second button 124 may be a battery level indicator. Thebattery level indicator may display a representation of the amount ofpower available (e.g., 3 out of 4 bars). In addition, the battery levelindicator may also blink and/or change colors to alert an adult vaper torecharge the e-vapor apparatus. To stop the blinking, an adult vaper maysimply press the second button 124. Thus, the button(s) of the e-vaporapparatus may have a control and/or display function. It should beunderstood that the examples with regard to the first button 122 and thesecond button 124 are not intended to be limiting and can have differentimplementations depending on the desired functionalities. Accordingly,more than two buttons (and/or of different shapes) may be provided inthe same proximity or at a different location on the e-vapor apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 2. Referring toFIG. 3, the mouthpiece 108 may be an open-ended cap-like structure thatis configured to slip onto the proximal end of the frame portiondefining the vapor passage 106. The mouthpiece 108 may have a wider basethat tapers to a narrower top. However, it should be understood thatexample embodiments are not limited thereto. The mouthpiece 108 may alsobe shaped to better accommodate an adult vaper's mouth during inhalationof the vapor. For instance, one side of the mouthpiece 108 may be morelinear, while the opposing side may be more curved.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first frame of FIG. 2. Referring toFIG. 4, the first frame 110 includes a side wall 116 that defines athrough-hole 114. The first frame 110 is configured to unite with thesecond frame 112, which also includes a side wall 116 defining athrough-hole 114. Because the combined through-hole 114 is configured toreceive a pod assembly, the side walls 116 of the first frame 110 andthe second frame 112 may form a relatively smooth and continuous surfaceto facilitate the insertion of the pod assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second frame of FIG. 2. Referring toFIG. 5, the second frame 112 is configured to unite with the first frame110 such that the shape defined by the combined side walls 116corresponds to the shape of the side surface of a pod assembly. Inaddition, an attachment structure (e.g., mating member/recess, magneticarrangement) may be provided on at least one of the side walls 116 andthe side surface of the pod assembly.

For example, the attachment structure may include a mating member thatis formed on the side wall 116 (of the first frame 110 and/or secondframe 112) and a corresponding recess that is formed on the side surfaceof the pod assembly. Conversely, the mating member may be formed on theside surface of the pod assembly, while the corresponding recess may beformed on the side wall 116 (of the first frame 110 and/or second frame112). In a non-limiting embodiment, the mating member may be a roundedstructure to facilitate the engagement/disengagement of the attachmentstructure, while the recess may be a concave indentation thatcorresponds to the curvature of the rounded structure. The mating membermay also be spring-loaded so as to retract (via spring compression) whenthe pod assembly is being inserted into the through-hole 114 andprotract (via spring decompression) when mating member becomes alignedwith the corresponding recess. The engagement of the mating member withthe corresponding recess may result in an audible click, which notifiesthe adult vaper that the pod assembly is secured and properly positionedwithin the through-hole 114 of the dispensing body 104.

In another example, the attachment structure may include a magneticarrangement. For instance, a first magnet may be arranged in the sidewall 116 (of the first frame 110 and/or second frame 112), and a secondmagnet may be arranged in the side surface of the pod assembly. Thefirst and/or second magnets may be exposed or hidden from view behind alayer of material. The first and second magnets are oriented so as to beattracted to each other, and a plurality of pairs of the first andsecond magnets may be provided to ensure that the pod assembly will besecure and properly aligned within the through-hole 114 of thedispensing body 104. As a result, when the pod assembly is inserted inthe through-hole 114, the pair(s) of magnets (e.g., first and secondmagnets) will be attracted to each other and, thus, hold the podassembly within the through-hole 114 while properly aligning the channeloutlet of the pod assembly with the vapor passage 106 of the dispensingbody 104.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the body portion of FIG. 2. Referring toFIG. 6, the body portion 118 may be a tube-like structure thatconstitutes a substantial segment of the dispensing body 104. Thecross-section of the body portion 118 may be oval-shaped, although othershapes are possible depending on the structure of the frame portion. Anadult vaper may hold the e-vapor apparatus by the body portion 118.Accordingly, the body portion 118 may be formed of (or covered with) amaterial that provides enhanced gripping and/or texture appeal to thefingers

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the end piece of FIG. 2. Referring toFIG. 7, the end piece 120 is configured to be inserted in the distal endof the body portion 118. The shape of the end piece 120 may correspondto the shape of the distal end of the body portion 118 so as to providea relatively smooth and continuous transition between the two surfaces.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another dispensing body of an e-vaporapparatus according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, thedispensing body 204 includes a side wall 216 defining a through-hole 214that is configured to receive a pod assembly. A substantial portion ofthe framework of the dispensing body 204 is provided by the first frame210, the frame trim 211, and the second frame 212 (e.g., FIG. 9). Avapor passage 206 and a first mouthpiece 208 are provided at a proximalportion of the dispensing body 204.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the dispensing body of FIG. 8. Referringto FIG. 9, the frame trim 211 is sandwiched between the first frame 210and the second frame 212. However, it should be understood that it ispossible to modify and structure the first frame 210 and the secondframe 212 such that the frame trim 211 is not needed. The vapor passage206 may be defined by both the proximal ends of the first frame 210 andthe second frame 212 as well as the second mouthpiece 209. As a result,the vapor passage 206 extends from the side wall 216 to the outlet endof the second mouthpiece 209. The first mouthpiece 208 is configured toslip onto the second mouthpiece 209. In an example embodiment, the firstmouthpiece 208 may be structured to be removable, while the secondmouthpiece 209 may be structured to be permanent. Alternatively, thefirst mouthpiece 208 may be integrated with the second mouthpiece 209 toform a single structure that is removable.

A first button 222, a second button 224, and a third button 226 may beprovided on the second frame 212 of the dispensing body 204. In anexample embodiment, the first button 222 may be a display (e.g., batterylevel indicator), the second button 224 may control an amount of vaporprecursor available to the heater, and the third button 226 may be thepower button. However, it should be understood that example embodimentsare not limited thereto. Notably, the buttons can have differentimplementations depending on the desired functionalities. Accordingly, adifferent number of buttons (and/or of different shapes) may be providedin the same proximity or at a different location on the e-vaporapparatus. Furthermore, the features and considerations in connectionwith the dispensing body 104 that are also applicable to the dispensingbody 204 may be as discussed supra in connection with the dispensingbody 104.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first mouthpiece of FIG. 9.Referring to FIG. 10, the first mouthpiece 208 is configured to fit overthe second mouthpiece 209. Thus, the inner surface of the firstmouthpiece 208 may correspond to an outer surface of the secondmouthpiece 209.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second mouthpiece of FIG. 9.Referring to FIG. 11, the second mouthpiece 209 defines a vapor passage206 therein. The second mouthpiece 209 may resemble the combinedproximal ends of the first frame 110 and the second frame 112 thatdefine the vapor passage 106 of the dispensing body 104.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the first frame of FIG. 9. Referring toFIG. 12, the first frame 210 includes a side wall 216 that defines athrough-hole 214. The top end of the first frame 210 may include aconnection structure that facilitates the connection of at least thesecond mouthpiece 209 thereto.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the frame trim of FIG. 9. Referring toFIG. 13, the frame trim 211 may be in the form of a curved strip that issupported by a central plate. When arranged between the first frame 210and the second frame 212, the frame trim 211 forms a side surface of thedispensing body 204, although example embodiments are not limitedthereto.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the second frame of FIG. 9. Referringto FIG. 14, the second frame 212 includes a side wall 216 that defines athrough-hole 214. The top end of the second frame 212 may include aconnection structure that facilitates the connection of at least thesecond mouthpiece 209 thereto. In addition, the surface of the secondframe 212 may be provided with a pattern or textured appearance. Suchpatterning and texturing may be aesthetic (e.g., visually appealing)and/or functional (e.g., enhanced grip) in nature. Although not shown,the surface of the first frame 210 may be similarly provided.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pod assembly of an e-vapor apparatusaccording to an example embodiment. Referring to FIG. 15, the podassembly 302 includes a pod trim 310 that is arranged between a firstcap 304 and a second cap 314. The first cap 304 may be regarded as afront cap, and the second cap 314 may be regarded as a rear cap (or viceversa). The first cap 304 and the second cap 314 may be formed of atransparent material to permit a viewing of the contents (e.g., vaporprecursor) in the pod assembly 302. The pod trim 310 defines a channeloutlet 312 for the release of vapor generated within the pod assembly302.

The pod assembly 302 is a self-contained article that can be sealed witha protective film that wraps around the pod trim 310. Additionally,because of the closed system nature of the pod assembly 302, the risk oftampering and contamination can be reduced. Also, the chance of unwantedphysical exposure to the vapor precursor within the pod assembly 302(e.g., via a leak) can be reduced. Furthermore, the pod assembly 302 canbe structured so as to prevent refilling.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the pod assembly of FIG. 15. Referring to FIG.16, the second cap 314 is wider than the first cap 304. As a result, thepod trim 310 may slant outwards from the first cap 304 to the second cap314. However, it should be understood that other configurations arepossible depending on the design of the pod assembly 302.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the pod assembly of FIG. 15. Referring to FIG.17, the second cap 314 is longer than the first cap 304. As a result,the pod trim 310 may slant outwards from the first cap 304 to the secondcap 314. As a result, the pod assembly 302 may be inserted in adispensing body such that the side corresponding to the first cap 304 isreceived in the through-hole first. In an example embodiment, the podassembly 302 may be inserted in the through-hole 114 of the dispensingbody 104 and/or the through-hole 214 of the dispensing body 204.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the pod assembly of FIG. 15. Referring toFIG. 18, the internal space of the pod assembly 302 may be divided intoa plurality of compartments by virtue of the components therein. Forinstance, the tapered outlet of the vapor channel 308 may be alignedwith the channel outlet 312, and the space bounded by the first cap 304,the vapor channel 308, the pod trim 310, and the second cap 314 may beregarded as the vapor precursor compartment. Additionally, the boundedspace under the vapor channel 308 may be regarded as the devicecompartment. For instance, the device compartment may include thevaporizer 306. One benefit of including the vaporizer 306 in the podassembly 302 is that the vaporizer 306 will only be used for the amountof vapor precursor contained within the vapor precursor compartment and,thus, will not be overused.

FIG. 19 a perspective view of several pod assemblies according to anexample embodiment. Referring to FIG. 19, each of the pod assemblies 402includes a pod trim 410 arranged between a first cap 404 and a secondcap 414. The vapor channel 408 is aligned with the channel outlet 412and arranged above the vaporizer 406. The pod assembly 402 is sealed tohold a vapor precursor 418 therein and to preclude tampering therewith.The vapor precursor compartment of the pod assembly 402 is configured tohold the vapor precursor 418, and the device compartment includes thevaporizer 406.

In further detail, the pod assembly 402 for an e-vapor apparatus mayinclude a vapor precursor compartment configured to hold a vaporprecursor 418 therein. A device compartment is in fluidic communicationwith the vapor precursor compartment. The device compartment includes avaporizer 406. A vapor channel 408 extends from the device compartmentand traverses the vapor precursor compartment.

The pod assembly 402 is configured for insertion into a dispensing body.As a result, the dimensions of the pod assembly 402 may correspond tothe dimensions of the through-hole (e.g., 114) of the dispensing body(e.g., 104). The vapor channel 408 may be between the mouthpiece (e.g.,108) and the device compartment when the pod assembly 402 is insertedinto the through-hole of the dispensing body.

An attachment structure (e.g., male/female member arrangement, magneticarrangement) may be provided on at least one of the side wall (e.g.,116) of the through-hole (e.g., 114) and a side surface of the podassembly 402. The attachment structure may be configured to engage andhold the pod assembly 402 upon insertion into the through-hole of thedispensing body. In addition, the channel outlet 412 may be utilized tosecure the pod assembly 402 within the through-hole of the dispensingbody. For instance, the dispensing body may be provided with aretractable vapor connector that is configured to insert into thechannel outlet 412 so as to secure the pod assembly 402 while alsosupplementing the vapor path from the channel outlet 412 to the vaporpassage (e.g., 106) of the dispensing body (e.g., 104). The vaporconnector may also be a rounded structure and/or spring-loaded tofacilitate its retraction (e.g., via spring compression) and protraction(e.g., via spring decompression).

In an example embodiment, the vapor precursor compartment of the podassembly 402 may surround the vapor channel 408. For instance, the vaporchannel 408 may pass through a center of the vapor precursorcompartment, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.

Alternatively, instead of the vapor channel 408 shown in FIG. 19, avapor channel may be in a form of a pathway that is arranged along atleast one sidewall of the precursor compartment. For example, a vaporchannel may be provided in a form of a pathway that spans between thefirst cap 404 and the second cap 414 while extending along one or bothsides of an inner surface of the pod trim 410. As a result, the pathwaymay have a thin, rectangular cross-section, although example embodimentsare not limited thereto. When the pathway is arranged along twosidewalls of the vapor precursor compartment (e.g., both inner sidewallsof the pod trim 410), the pathway along each sidewall may be configuredto converge at a position (e.g., channel outlet 412) that is alignedwith the vapor passage (e.g., 106) of the dispensing body (e.g., 104)when the pod assembly 402 is received in the through-hole 114.

In another instance, the vapor channel may be in a form of a conduitthat is arranged in at least one corner of the vapor precursorcompartment. Such a corner may be at the interface of the first cap 404and/or the second cap 414 with the inner surface of the pod trim 410. Asa result, the conduit may have a triangular cross-section, althoughexample embodiments are not limited thereto. When the conduit isarranged in at least two corners (e.g., front corners, rear corners,diagonal corners, side corners) of the vapor precursor compartment, theconduit in each corner may be configured to converge at a position(e.g., channel outlet 412) that is aligned with the vapor passage (e.g.,106) of the dispensing body (e.g., 104) when the pod assembly 402 isreceived in the through-hole 114.

The vapor precursor compartment and the device compartment may be atopposite ends of the pod assembly 402. The device compartment mayinclude a memory device. The memory device may be coded with anelectronic identity to permit at least one of an authentication of thepod assembly 402 and a pairing of operating parameters specific to atype of the pod assembly 402 when the pod assembly 402 is inserted intothe through-hole of the dispensing body (e.g., smart calibration). Theelectronic identity may help prevent counterfeiting. The operatingparameters may help optimize a vaping experience without placing aburden on the adult vaper to determine the proper settings. In anexample embodiment, the level of vapor precursor in the pod assembly 402may be tracked. Additionally, the activation of the pod assembly 402 maybe restricted once its intended usage life has been exceeded. Thus, thepod assembly 402 (and 302) may be regarded as a smart pod.

A side surface of the pod assembly 402 includes at least one electricalcontact 416 and/or data connection 417 (e.g., two or three electricalcontacts and/or data connections). The dispensing body may be configuredto perform at least one of supply power to and communicate with the podassembly 402 via the at least one electrical contact 416. The at leastone electrical contact 416 may be provided at an end of the pod assembly402 corresponding to the device compartment. Because of its smartcapability, the pod assembly 402 may communicate with dispensing bodyand/or another electronic device (e.g., smart phone). As a result, usagepatterns and other information (e.g., flavor intensity, throat feel,puff count) may be generated, stored, transferred, and/or displayed. Thesmart capability, connecting features, and other related aspects of thepod assembly, dispensing body, and overall e-vapor apparatus areadditionally discussed in U.S. Application No. 62/151,160, U.S.Application No. 62/151,179, and U.S. Application No. 62/151,248, theentire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 20 is a view of an e-vapor apparatus with a pod assembly insertedin a dispensing body according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIG. 20, an e-vapor apparatus 500 includes a pod assembly 502 (e.g.,smart pod) that is inserted within a dispensing body 504. The podassembly 502 may be as previously described in connection with the podassembly 302 and the pod assembly 402. As a result, the pod assembly 502may be a hassle-free and leak-free component that can be replaced withrelative ease when the vapor precursor therein runs low/out or whenanother flavor is desired.

FIG. 21 illustrates a device system of a dispensing body according to anexample embodiment. A device system 2100 may be the system within thedispensing body 104 and the dispensing body 204.

The device system 2100 includes a controller 2105, a power supply 2110,actuator controls 2115, a pod electrical/data interface 2120, devicesensors 2125, input/output (I/O) interfaces 2130, vaper indicators 2135,at least one antenna 2140 and a storage medium 2145. The device system2100 is not limited to the features shown in FIG. 21. For example, thedevice system 2100 may include additional components. However, for thesake of brevity, the additional components are not described.

The controller 2105 may be hardware, firmware, hardware executingsoftware or any combination thereof. When the controller 2105 ishardware, such existing hardware may include one or more CentralProcessing Units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs),application-specific-integrated-circuits (ASICs), field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs) computers or the like configured as special purposemachines to perform the functions of the processor 220. As stated above,CPUs, DSPs, ASICs and FPGAs may generally be referred to as processingdevices.

In the event where the controller 2105 is a processor executingsoftware, the controller 2105 is configured as a special purpose machineto execute the software, stored in the storage medium 2145, to performthe functions of the at least one of the controller 2105.

As disclosed herein, the term “storage medium”, “computer readablestorage medium” or “non-transitory computer readable storage medium” mayrepresent one or more devices for storing data, including read onlymemory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory,magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memorydevices and/or other tangible machine readable mediums for storinginformation. The term “computer-readable medium” may include, but is notlimited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices,and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carryinginstruction(s) and/or data.

Referring to FIG. 21, the controller 2105 communicates with the powersupply 2110, the actuator control 2115, the pod electrical/datainterface 2120, the device sensors 2125, the input/output (I/O)interfaces 2130, the vaper indicators 2135, the at least one antenna2140.

The controller 2105 communicates with the CC-NVM in the pod through thepod electrical/data interface 2120. More specifically, the controller2105 may utilize encryption to authenticate the pod. As will bedescribed, the controller 2105 communicates with the CC-NVM package toauthenticate the pod. More specifically, the non-volatile memory isencoded during manufacture with product and other information forauthentication.

The memory device may be coded with an electronic identity to permit atleast one of an authentication of the pod and a pairing of operatingparameters specific to a type of the pod when the pod assembly 402 isinserted into the through-hole of the dispensing body. In addition toauthenticating based on an electronic identity of the pod, thecontroller 2105 may authorize use of the pod based on an expiration dateof the stored vapor precursor and/or heater encoded into thenon-volatile memory of the CC-NVM. If the controller determines that theexpiration date encoded into the non-volatile memory has passed, thecontroller may not authorize use of the pod and disable the e-vapingdevice.

The controller 2105 (or storage medium 2145) stores key material andproprietary algorithm software for the encryption. For example,encryption algorithms rely on the use of random numbers. The security ofthese algorithms depends on how truly random these numbers are. Thesenumbers are usually pre-generated and coded into the processor or memorydevices. Example embodiments may increase the randomness of the numbersused for the encryption by using the puffing parameters e.g. puffdurations, intervals between puffs, or combinations of them, to generatenumbers that are more random and more varying from individual toindividual than pre-generated random numbers. All communications betweenthe controller 2105 and the pod may be encrypted.

Moreover, the pod can be used to as a general pay-load carrier for otherinformation such as software patches for the e-vaping device. Sinceencryption is used in all the communications between the pod and thecontroller 2105, such information is more secure and the e-vaping deviceis less prone to being installed with malwares or viruses. Use of theCC-NVM as an information carrier such as data and software updatesallows the e-vaping device to be updated with software without it beingconnected to the Internet and for the adult vaper to go through adownloading process as with most other consumer electronics devicesrequiring periodic software updates.

The controller 2105 may also include a cryptographic accelerator toallow resources of the controller 2105 to perform functions other thanthe encoding and decoding involved with the authentication. Thecontroller 2105 may also include other security features such aspreventing unauthorized use of communication channels and preventingunauthorized access to data if a pod or vaper is not authenticated.

In addition to a cryptographic accelerator, the controller 2105 mayinclude other hardware accelerators. For example, the controller 2105may include a floating point unit (FPU), a separate DSP core, digitalfilters and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) modules.

The controller 2105 operates a real time operating system (RTOS),controls the device system 2100 and may be updated through communicatingwith the CC-NVM or when the device system 2100 is connected with otherdevices (e.g., a smart phone) through the I/O interfaces 2130 and/or theantenna 2140. The I/O interfaces 2130 and the antenna 2140 allow thedevice system 2100 to connect to various external devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs. For example, the I/O interfaces 2130 mayinclude a micro-USB connector. The micro-USB connector may be used bythe device system 2100 to charge the power source 2110 b.

The controller 2105 may include on-board RAM and flash memory to storeand execute code including analytics, diagnostics and software upgrades.As an alternative, the storage medium 2145 may store the code.Additionally, in another example embodiment, the storage medium 2145 maybe on-board the controller 2105.

The controller 2105 may further include on-board clock, reset and powermanagement modules to reduce an area covered by a PCB in the dispensingbody.

The device sensors 2125 may include a number of sensor transducers thatprovide measurement information to the controller 2105. The devicesensors 2125 may include a power supply temperature sensor, an externalpod temperature sensor, a current sensor for the heater, power supplycurrent sensor, air flow sensor and an accelerometer to monitor movementand orientation. The power supply temperature sensor and external podtemperature sensor may be a thermistor or thermocouple and the currentsensor for the heater and power supply current sensor may be a resistivebased sensor or another type of sensor configured to measure current.The air flow sensor may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flowsensor or another type of sensor configured to measure air flow.

The data generated from the number of sensor transducers may be sampledat a sample rate appropriate to the parameter being measured using adiscrete, multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

The controller 2105 may adapt heater profiles for a vapor precursor andother profiles based on the measurement information received from thecontroller 2105. For the sake of convenience, these are generallyreferred to as vaping or vapor profiles.

The heater profile identifies the power profile to be supplied to theheater during the few seconds when puffing takes place. For example of aheater profile can be: deliver maximum power to the heater when a puffis initiated, but then after a second or so immediately reduce the powerto half way or a quarter way or so.

The modulation of electrical power is usually implemented using pulsewave modulation—instead of flipping an on/off switch where the power iseither full on or off.

In addition, a heater profile can also be modified by the extent towhich the adult vaper applies negative pressure to the e-vaping device.The use of the MEMS flow sensor allows puff strength to be measured andused as feedback to the controller 2105 to adjust the power delivered tothe heater of the pod, which may be referred to as heating or energydelivery.

When the controller 2105 recognizes the pod currently installed (e.g.,via SKU), the controller 2105 matches an associated heating profile thatis designed for that particular pod. The controller 2105 and the storagemedium 2145 will store data and algorithms that allow the generation ofheating profiles for all SKUs. The adult vapers may also adjust heatingprofiles to suit their preferences.

As shown in FIG. 21, the controller 2105 sends data to and receives datafrom the power supply 2110. The power supply 2110 includes a powersource 2110 b and a power controller 2110 a to manage the power outputby the power source 2110 b.

The power source 2110 b may be a Lithium-ion battery or one of itsvariants, for example a Lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, thepower source 2110 b may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickelcadmium battery, a Lithium-manganese battery, a Lithium-cobalt batteryor a fuel cell. Alternatively, the power source 2110 b may berechargeable and include circuitry allowing the battery to be chargeableby an external charging device. In that case, the circuitry, whencharged, provides power for a desired (or alternatively apre-determined) number of puffs, after which the circuitry must bere-connected to an external charging device.

The power controller 2110 a provides commands to the power source 2110 bbased on instructions from the controller 2105. For example, the powersupply 2110 may receive a command from the controller 2105 to providepower to the pod (through the electrical/data interface 2120) when thepod is authenticated and the adult vaper activates the device system2100 (e.g., by activating a switch such as a toggle button, capacitivesensor, IR sensor). When the pod is not authenticated, the controller2105 may either send no command to the power supply 2110 or send aninstruction to the power supply 2110 to not provide power. In anotherexample embodiment, the controller 2105 may disable all operations ofthe device system 2100 if the pod is not authenticated.

In addition to supplying power to the pod, the power supply 2110 alsosupplies power to the controller 2105. Moreover, the power controller2110 a may provide feedback to the controller 2105 indicatingperformance of the power source 2110 b.

The controller 2105 sends data to and receives data from the at leastone antenna 2140. The at least one antenna 2140 may include a Near FieldCommunication (NFC) modem and a Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) modem and/orother modems for other wireless technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi). In anexample embodiment, the communications stacks are in the modems, but themodems are controlled by the controller 2105. The Bluetooth LE modem isused for data and control communications with an application on anexternal device (e.g., smart phone). The NFC modem may be used forpairing of the e-vaping device to the application and retrieval ofdiagnostic information. Moreover, the NFC modem may be used to providelocation information (for an adult vaper to find the e-vaping device) orauthentication during a purchase.

As described above, the device system 2100 may generate and adjustvarious profiles for vaping. The controller 2105 uses the power supply2110 and the actuator controls 2115 to regulate the profile for theadult vaper.

The actuator controls 2115 include passive and active actuators toregulate a desired vapor profile. For example, the dispensing body mayinclude an inlet channel within a mouthpiece. The actuator controls 2115may control the inlet channel based on commands from the controller 2105associated with the desired vapor profile.

Moreover, the actuator controls 2115 are used to energize the heater inconjunction with the power supply 2110. More specifically, the actuatorcontrols 2115 are configured to generate a drive waveform associatedwith the desired vaping profile. As described above, each possibleprofile is associated with a drive waveform. Upon receiving a commandfrom the controller 2105 indicating the desired vaping profile, theactuator controls 2115 may produce the associated modulating waveformfor the power supply 2110.

The controller 2105 supplies information to the vaper indicators 2135 toindicate statuses and occurring operations to the adult vaper. The vaperindicators 2135 include a power indicator (e.g., LED) that may beactivated when the controller 2105 senses a button press by the adultvaper. The vaper indicators 2135 may also include a vibrator, speaker,an indicator for current state of a vaper-controlled vaping parameter(e.g., vapor volume) and other feedback mechanisms.

Furthermore, the device system 2100 may include a number of on-productcontrols 2150 that provide commands from an adult vaper to thecontroller 2105. The on-product controls 2150 include an on-off buttonwhich may be a toggle button, capacitive sensor or IR sensor, forexample. The on-product controls 2150 may further include a vapingcontrol button (if the adult vaper desires to override the buttonlessvaping feature to energize the heater), a hard reset button, a touchbased slider control (for controlling setting of a vaping parameter suchas puff volume), a vaping control button to activate the slider controland a mechanical adjustment for an air inlet.

Once a pod is authenticated, the controller 2105 operates the powersupply 2110, the actuator controls 2115, vaper indicators 2135 andantenna 2140 in accordance with an adult vaper using the e-vaping deviceand the information stored by the CC-NVM on the pod. Moreover, thecontroller 2105 may include logging functions and be able to implementalgorithms to calibrate the e-vaping device. The logging functions areexecuted by the controller 2105 to record usage data as well anyunexpected events or faults. The recorded usage data may be used fordiagnostics and analytics. The controller 2105 may calibrate thee-vaping device using buttonless vaping, a vaper configuration and thestored information on the CC-NVM including puff sensing, vapor precursorlevel, and vapor precursor composition. For example, the controller 2105may command the power supply 2110 to supply power to the heater in thepod based on a vaping profile associated with the vapor precursorcomposition in the pod. Alternatively, a vaping profile may be encodedin the CC-NVM and utilized by the controller 2105.

FIG. 22 illustrates a pod system diagram of a dispensing body accordingto an example embodiment. A pod system 2200 may be within the podassembly 502, the pod assembly 302 and the pod assembly 402.

As shown in FIG. 22, the pod system 2200 includes a CC-NVM 2205, a bodyelectrical/data interface 2210, a heater 2215 and pod sensors 2220. Thepod system 2200 communicates with the device system 2100 through thebody electrical/data interface 2210 and the pod electrical/datainterface 2120. The body electrical/data interface 2210 may correspondto the battery contacts 416 and data connection 417 connected within thepod assembly 402, shown in FIG. 19, for example. Thus, the CC-NVM 2205is coupled to the data connection 417 and the battery contacts 416.

The CC-NVM 2205 includes a cryptographic coprocessor 2205 a and anon-volatile memory 2205 b. The controller 2105 may access theinformation stored on the non-volatile memory 2205 b for the purposes ofauthentication and operating the pod by communicating with thecryptographic coprocessor 2205 a.

The non-volatile memory 2205 b may be coded with an electronic identityto permit at least one of an authentication of the pod and a pairing ofoperating parameters specific to a type of the pod when the pod assemblyis inserted into the through-hole of the dispensing body. In addition toauthenticating based on an electronic identity of the pod, thecontroller 2105 may authorize use of the pod based on an expiration dateof the stored vapor precursor and/or heater encoded into thenon-volatile memory 2205 b of the CC-NVM. If the controller determinesthat the expiration date encoded into the non-volatile memory 2205 b haspassed, the controller may not authorize use of the pod and disable thee-vaping device.

Moreover, the non-volatile memory 2205 b may store information such as astock keeping unit (SKU) of the vapor precursor in the vapor precursorcompartment (including vapor precursor composition), software patchesfor the device system 2100, product usage information such as puffcount, puff duration, and vapor precursor level. The non-volatile memory2205 b may store operating parameters specific to the type of the podand the vapor precursor composition. For example, the non-volatilememory 2205 b may store the electrical and mechanical design of the podfor use by the controller 2105 to determine commands corresponding to adesired vaping profile.

The vapor precursor level in the pod may be determined in one of twoways, for example. In one example embodiment, one of the pod sensors2220 directly measures the vapor precursor level in the pod.

In another example embodiment, the non-volatile memory 2205 b stores thenumber of puffs taken from the pod and the controller 2105 uses thenumber of puffs taken as a proxy to the amount of vapor precursor thatis vaporized.

The controller 2105 and/or the storage medium 2145 may store vaporprecursor calibration data that identifies an operating point for thevapor precursor composition. The vapor precursor calibration datainclude data describing how flow rate changes with a remaining vaporprecursor level or how volatility changes with an age of the vaporprecursor and may be used for calibration by the controller 2105. Thevapor precursor calibration data may be stored by the controller 2105and/or the storage medium 2145 in a table format. The vapor precursorcalibration data allows the controller 2105 to equate the number ofpuffs taken to the amount of vapor precursor that is vaporized.

The controller 2105 writes the vapor precursor level and number of puffstaken back to the non-volatile memory 2205 b in the pod so if the pod isremoved from the dispensing body and later on re-installed, an accuratevapor precursor level of the pod will still be known by the controller2105.

The operating parameters (e.g., power supply, power duration, airchannel control) are referred to as a vaping profile. Moreover, thenon-volatile memory 2205 b may record information communicated by thecontroller 2105. The non-volatile memory 2205 b may retain the recordedinformation even when the dispensing body becomes disconnected from thepod.

In an example embodiment, the non-volatile memory 2205 b may be aprogrammable read only memory.

The heater 2215 is actuated by the controller 2105 and transfers heat tothe vapor precursor in accordance with the commanded profile (volume,temperature (based on power profile) and flavor) from the controller2105.

The heater 2215 may be a wire coil surrounding a wick, a mesh, a surfaceor made out of a ceramic material for example. Examples of suitableelectrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalumand metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloysinclude stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-,aluminum-titanium-zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-,tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese- and iron-containingalloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel.For example, the heater may be formed of nickel aluminides, a materialwith a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminides and othercomposite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionallybe embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material orvice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and theexternal physicochemical properties required. In one embodiment, theheater comprises at least one material selected from the groupconsisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromiumalloys, superalloys and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, theheater 2215 is formed of nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys.In one embodiment, the heater 2215 can be a ceramic heater having anelectrically resistive layer on an outside surface thereof.

In another embodiment, the heater 2215 may be constructed of aniron-aluminide (e.g., FeAl or Fe₃Al), such as those described incommonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,706 to Sikka et al. filed Dec. 29,1994, or nickel aluminides (e.g., Ni₃Al), the entire contents of whichare hereby incorporate by reference.

The heater 2215 may determine an amount of vapor precursor to heat basedon feedback from the pod sensors or the controller 2105. The flow ofvapor precursor may be regulated by a micro-capillary or wicking action.Moreover, the controller 2105 may send commands to the heater 2215 toadjust an air inlet to the heater 2215.

The pod sensor 2220 may include a heater temperature sensor, vaporprecursor flow rate monitor and air flow monitor. The heater temperaturesensor may be a thermistor or thermocouple and the flow rate sensing maybe performed by the pod system 2200 using electrostatic interference oran in-liquid rotator. The air flow sensor may be amicroelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow sensor or another type ofsensor configured to measure air flow.

The data generated from the pod sensors 2220 may be sampled at a samplerate appropriate to the parameter being measured using a discrete,multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

While a number of example embodiments have been disclosed herein, itshould be understood that other variations may be possible. Suchvariations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit andscope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would beobvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within thescope of the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A pod assembly for an e-vapor apparatus,comprising: a plurality of external surfaces including a front face, arear face opposite the front face, a first side face between the frontface and the rear face, a second side face opposite the first side face,a downstream end face, and an upstream end face opposite the downstreamend face, at least a portion of the front face and the rear face beingtransparent, the downstream end face defining an outlet; a liquidcompartment configured to hold a liquid formulation such that the liquidformulation is visible through the front face and the rear face; avaporizer compartment in fluidic communication with the liquidcompartment, the vaporizer compartment being adjacent to the upstreamend face, the vaporizer compartment configured to heat the liquidformulation, the vaporizer compartment including a wire coil and a wick;a vapor channel extending from the vaporizer compartment, through acenter of the liquid compartment, and to the outlet, the vapor channelbeing visible through the front face and the rear face; and a pluralityof electrical contacts disposed at the upstream end face andelectrically connected to the wire coil of the vaporizer compartment,the vapor channel being between the outlet and the plurality ofelectrical contacts.
 2. The pod assembly of claim 1, wherein a width ofa downstream section of the vapor channel is less than a width of acorresponding section of the liquid compartment based on a side view,the downstream section being closer to the downstream end face than theupstream end face.
 3. The pod assembly of claim 2, wherein thedownstream section of the vapor channel is closer to the front face andthe rear face than to the first side face and the second side face. 4.The pod assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first side faceand the second side face defines a recess configured for engagement aspart of an attachment structure.
 5. The pod assembly of claim 1, whereinthe vapor channel and at least a portion of the liquid formulation inthe liquid compartment is between the downstream end face and thevaporizer compartment.
 6. The pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the wirecoil is formed of a nickel-chromium alloy.
 7. The pod assembly of claim1, wherein the vaporizer compartment is visible through the front faceand the rear face.
 8. The pod assembly of claim 1, wherein an entiretyof the vapor channel is downstream from the wire coil.
 9. The podassembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical contactsinclude a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, thefirst electrical contact being closer to the first side face than thesecond side face, the second electrical contact being closer to thesecond side face than the first side face, the first electrical contactand the second electrical contact having respective planar surfaces. 10.An e-vapor apparatus comprising: a pod assembly including a plurality ofexternal surfaces, a liquid compartment, a vaporizer compartment, avapor channel, and a plurality of electrical contacts, the plurality ofexternal surfaces including a front face, a rear face opposite the frontface, a first side face between the front face and the rear face, asecond side face opposite the first side face, a downstream end face,and an upstream end face opposite the downstream end face, at least aportion of the front face and the rear face being transparent, thedownstream end face defining an outlet, the liquid compartmentconfigured to hold a liquid formulation such that the liquid formulationis visible through the front face and the rear face, the vaporizercompartment in fluidic communication with the liquid compartment, thevaporizer compartment being adjacent to the upstream end face, thevaporizer compartment configured to heat the liquid formulation, thevaporizer compartment including a wire coil and a wick, the vaporchannel extending from the vaporizer compartment, through a center ofthe liquid compartment, and to the outlet, the vapor channel beingvisible through the front face and the rear face, the plurality ofelectrical contacts disposed at the upstream end face and electricallyconnected to the wire coil of the vaporizer compartment, the vaporchannel being between the outlet and the plurality of electricalcontacts; and a device body defining a pod compartment having a firstcompartment side wall, a second compartment side wall opposite the firstcompartment side wall, a third compartment side wall between the firstcompartment side wall and the second compartment side wall, and a fourthcompartment side wall opposite the third compartment side wall, the podassembly configured to engage with the first compartment side wall andthe second compartment side wall when received by the device body, thevapor channel of the pod assembly coinciding with a central longitudinalaxis of the device body, the device body including a magnet, the devicebody including a battery configured to supply power to the wire coil.11. The e-vapor apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of the firstcompartment side wall and the second compartment side wall of the devicebody includes a mating member.
 12. The e-vapor apparatus of claim 11,wherein at least one of the first side face and the second side face ofthe pod assembly defines a recess configured to engage with the matingmember of the device body as part of an attachment structure forsecuring the pod assembly to the device body.
 13. The e-vapor apparatusof claim 12, wherein the recess is configured to engage with the matingmember so as to produce an audible click.